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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

I’ve found myself becoming increasingly observant of random things lately. Not sure what sparked it, but here it is. And I do mean random things.

For example; Driving. I never pay attention to what I do when I drive. It’s all habit. But, today on my way to work, I was noticing all the things I do by habit. Like glancing in my mirrors every few seconds. I can clearly remember learning to drive 10 years ago and having to remind myself to check my mirrors. Now I do it without thinking. Weird observation, I know. Braking too…I use to consciously think “I need to start applying my brakes now”. Not anymore. I just know when to stop. Haha.

Speaking of driving to work…I also ‘observed’ that I was one of few who were actually going to work today! The morning commute that usually takes 35-40 minutes took me 25 today. And the parking lot at my office was practically deserted. I notice these things because, until I joined the work-force, I was blissfully unaware that some people actually have to work on the Eve’s of holidays, and the days after too! I grew up in a household where my Mom was a stay-at-home-mom and my Dad, being with the same company for close to 20 years, was able to use vacation to be home at the same time Frankie & I had our school breaks. Therefore, it didn’t even cross my mind that people with office jobs had to work on said holidays. Allstate calls insurance “retail” but the two weeks of Christmas & New Year’s are the slowest of the year. Anyway, I am at work until 3pm today, with a smile on my face because at least I have a job!!!

Well, I hope you all have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve and I’ll talk at ya in 2009!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

I did it again. I went days without posting. Shame on me.But, Merry Christmas!!!! I read this article today and it brought tears to my eyes. THIS is what the Christmas spirit is all about!!!

There are some games where cheering for the other side feels better than winning.by Rick Reilly

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas.It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through.

Did you hear that? The other team's fans?

They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, "Go Tornadoes!" Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.

It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on—by name.

"I never in my life thought I'd hear people cheering for us to hit their kids," recalls Gainesville's QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. "I wouldn't expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!"

And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he'd just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.

But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of five—handcuffs ready in their back pockets—and marched them to the team bus. That's because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year. Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery—many of whose families had disowned them—wearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans—for one night only—cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking the Faithful to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send:" Hogan wrote. "You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."

Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan's office and asked, "Coach, why are we doing this?"

And Hogan said, "Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."

Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!

"I thought maybe they were confused," said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). "They started yelling 'DEE-fense!' when their team had the ball. I said, 'What? Why they cheerin' for us?'"

It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. "We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games," says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. "You can see it in their eyes. They're lookin' at us like we're criminals. But these people, they were yellin' for us! By our names!"

Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game's last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.

After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that's when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. "We had no idea what the kid was going to say," remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this: "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

And it was a good thing everybody's heads were bowed because they might've seen Hogan wiping away tears.

As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride home—a burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.

The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, "You'll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know."

And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they'd never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.

Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it's nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.

Hope.

Hope, indeed. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. And a happy and HOPEFUL 2009."Pray for Peace, people everywhere. A child, a child, sleeping in the night; He will bring us goodness and light..."

Friday, December 12, 2008

I have sucked at keeping up with my blog. Sorry :\ To make up for it, I put a lot of thought into this one. I will add to the list whenever I can.

Things I have learned…

I know, I know. I’m only 25 years old. The list can’t be that long. You’d be surprised the things I picked up along the way…and the list is growing every day. And isn’t that the point?

· I’ve learned that relationships take work, but when you find “the one” it’s worth the effort.· I’ve learned that the one person who is never supposed to break your heart, might.· I’ve learned that a Mother’s Love is possibly the only thing that never changes. [I’ve learned this being a daughter. I can’t wait to learn this from the Mother’s side, too.]· I’ve learned that earning your own money makes the things you buy feel more important.· I’ve learned that being responsible does not mean you can’t have fun.· I’ve learned that you never stop missing your Grandparents when they are no longer around.· I’ve learned that you should never take yourself too seriously. I’m still working on this one.· I’ve learned that a woman’s strength is unmatched.· I’ve learned that sticks and stones can indeed break your bones, but words can break your heart.· I’ve learned that every single person I’ve ever met has touched my life in some way.· I’ve learned that we are not promised ‘tomorrow’. Each day is a gift, and should be treated as such. Say ‘I love you’ often.· I’ve learned that life carries on, whether you are ready for it to or not.· I’ve learned that family in an amazing thing.· I’ve learned that my brother is priceless and irreplaceable.· I’ve learned that even though we grow older, some people never grow up.· I’ve learned that I’m still learning. And that’s a good thing.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Yay!!! Our favorite time of year has finally arrived!!! Although the weather is way to warm still, in our opinion. We have had only a few days colder than 55. :( This makes it a little hard to get into the Christmas spirit, but we put up our first Christmas tree together and decorated the apartment, in and out! And, of course, Chloe has found her new favorite place...right under the tree!! We haven't put on our tree topper yet, and it's missing about 50 of our ornaments, but once we pick those up from our parent's houses it will be complete!

We also started Christmas shopping today. This will be our most 'budgeted' Christmas to date, and our list of who we will give to has gotten significantly smaller. None the less, we had fun shopping today. I LOVE finding 'that perfect gift' and I think we've succeeded so far!

The Christmas cards are all ready to go out tomorrow. It was a team effort and ended up being much more time consuming than it should have been, thanks to glitches in the technology we love so much! ;)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

We don't have kids yet, obviously, but we have a fur-baby. Little Miss Chloe Leigh Naslund. Yes, she has a full name. What does that tell you?...You guessed right. She is spoiled rotten. [Ryan started it - for the record. ;) ]

We "oooh" and "aaah" over her daily. Ryan carries her around the house like she's a baby. She sleeps right between us every night. And, we take a ridiculous amount of pictures. Ryan's parents and my Mom have embraced her as their "fur-grandbaby". Ryan's parents even 'babysat' her while we were in TN for Thanksgiving. Anyway, back to the pictures. I thought I'd post a few of our favorites, just cause we think she is cute and want to share her with the world.

We present to you, Our Furbaby - Chloe:

Tell me she doesn't have the sweetest face ever!

This WAS my blanket...now it's Chloe's. Passed out in "Daddy's" lap.

Chloe is obsessed with my laptop. Whenever I use it, she has to be right next to me. She loooves to watch TV [and yes, she actually watches it] and I think the laptop screen has the same appeal. Ironically, her favorite thing to do is chase the "mouse".

Every morning, "Mommy" checks her email while watching the Today show and drinking coffee in bed...and every morning Chloe falls asleep with her head on the laptop.

This one is a little fuzzy, but she does this all the time. Like she is claiming the laptop as hers!

And your eyes do not deceive you, Mom, our bed is not made in any of these pictures. Ha ha.

Anyway, that is our little "Chlo-Chlo" or "Chlo-fur" as Ryan calls her. And until we have kids, this is our 'child'. Expect more Chloe-related blogging in the future.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Well, I haven't blogged in a week. We went to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. We drove and it was a loooong trip but so worth it. It was great being with my my aunts and uncles on my Mom's side and being able to just hang out. Plus, the food was amazing. ;)

So, now I'm back home. Started my new position at work and love it so far. The clients are really high maintenance but the location is excellent and I'm really excited about it.

Ryan got an iPhone. He's obsessed with it. It is pretty cool, but takes too much work to use, in my opinion. :)

What 's the funniest book you ever read? He's Just Not That Into You. I looooved that book.

What books have changed the way you look at the world or the way you live your life? Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. Number the Stars. To Kill a Mockingbird.

What books have affirmed what you believe about life or the way you look at things? See above.

What are some of the scariest books you've ever read? I really don’t read many scary books. I have a REALLY over active imagination so I kind of avoid those. But back in my YA [that’s Young Adult] days, nothing rocked my world more than Goosebumps.

About how many books do you think you have you read in your life? Too many to actually try and count.

About how many books do you own? Actually, not many. I usually sell them or give them away. My Mother however…she must own at least 500.

How many books per month do you usually borrow from the library? I don't go to the library very often.

How much would you say you've paid in library fines in your life? I was always kind of psycho about getting them returned in time, so probably not many. [Thank you OCD.]

Do you read in bed? It’s my favorite place to read.

Do you ever read while walking or driving? No. I am too easily distracted as it is.

OK, let's get real. Where is the strangest place you've read a book? In a closet. [There was a tornado warning…or watch. Whatever the bad one is.]

Do you listen to audio books? I have. I don’t like it as much cause I tend to zone out.

Has anyone ever read aloud to you or you to them? Both. My Mom read to my brother and I everyday. In fact, she read us Number the Stars. I used to be a nanny and I read to them all the time. And I will read to my children.

Tell us more. What book was the most difficult to read? I found Their Eyes Were Watching God to be difficult only because it's written "old south". House of Leaves was also a very difficult read. Both were totally worth it!

Do you read every word of a book, or skip parts that don't hold your interest? Usually every word…but I have been known to speed read.

What books do you keep intending to read but put off? The Left Behind Series and My Sister’s Keeper.

Do you buy new or used books, paperbacks or hardbacks, leather or collector's items? All of the above.

How do you feel about writing in books, dog earing, etc? I'm really trying to stop dog-earing. I have written in a few books…

What is the first book you remember reading? There are several books that stick out. The Pokie Little Puppy, There is a Monster at the End of This Book, and Five Minutes Peace. Followed closely by Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Do you lend your books? To a select few…

Ever had to hire Large Louis to get it back for you? Haha, I don’t lend enough to need to do that.

What were your favorite books when you were a child? Babysitter's Club. And anything by Lurlene McDaniel. And Goosebumps.

What children's books do you most enjoy as an adult? Harry Potter and the Twilight series, but really those are "young adult."

Do you ever read the ending first? Well…I…uh…Ok, yes sometimes I skip to the end! Ah!! I admitted it!!

Did you ever agree to read the book somebody was pushing on you if they would read one for you in exchange? No but I have read books that were forced upon me. Just know…if you force me to read a book and I don’t care for it…I’ll tell you.

What were the books? I’d rather not say…out of respect! ;)

Have you ever read a book more than once? Yes, but I don’t like too.

What frequently recommended books have you been unable to finish? Actually, the DaVinci Code. I am going to give it another go someday…

Sunday, November 16, 2008

I've been meaning to post this for awhile cause I think it's so cute, but haven't yet.

At the shower my Bridesmaids hosted for me, one of my 'maids Bridget, emailed Ryan & I each a list of the same questions to compare our answers. It was so fun seeing what we each said!!

Here they are: [Ryan's will be in blue, Mine in Pink]

What is your favorite feature of his/hers?My rippling abs...no probably my faceMy eyesWhat was your favorite toy growing up?Lego'sFrankie!! JK...Barbies!What are you looking forward to about being married?**ADULT CONTENT FOLLOWS**All the free sex!! Not that I paid for it before...Finally being able to call him my HUSBAND! [See how sweet and innocent I am ;) ]If Rachel/Ryan as an animal, what would she/he be?Polar BearPolar Bear for sure! [No, we did not answer these together! We are both Polar Bears!!!]

When did you know it was love and that she/he was "the one"?When we were separated. I always thought about her and wanted to be with her.2005. [This is when we were separated.]Who will take out the garbage?RyanRyan! If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?HawaiiSwedenWhat is your favorite feature of Rachel's/Ryan's?Her eyesHis faceWhat was your first car?Chevy S-10"The Mean Green" Pontiac Grand Prix

How many kids do you want? When will you start trying?2; About 2 years after marriage2 or 3; Probably around 2 yearsWhat is your favorite meal Rachel/Ryan makes?Um...I do the cooking.Anything pasta!When and where was the best date?The night I proposed to her, even though it was cold and rainyValentine's Day 2008. Dakota Steakhouse and then to Rheudasil Park where he proposed!

Where would you want to go on a trip with Rachel/Ryan?AustraliaItalyWhen and where was the first kiss?Back in high school, siting in her parents driveway under the stars [He is so romantic ;) ]2002 in my drivewayIf you were a super hero, who would you be?SupermanRogue from X-MenWhat is Rachel's/Ryan's favorite thing about you?The way I care about other people.I take care of him!! ;)

Friday, November 14, 2008

So, I still have wedding on the brain, particularly my florist and cake baker. But, I just got an email from my florist, A Magic Moment Events & Floral Design, that really made my day! I'll get into the email in a second.

From the "Magic Moment" I met Tami, the owner, I knew she was my 'perfect flower fit'. She really got me and my ideas. Plus, her shop was decorated in Black, White & Pink. My wedding colors! I cannot tell you how excited I was to see my flowers and the girl did not disappoint!!! Everything was more beautiful and vibrant than I could ever have imagined!!! So many people commented on how gorgeous the flowers were, and now I am a total referral freak! If I even hear someone mention the word "florist" I jump on the chance to tell them about Tami!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I am: a TV junkie.I know: I am loved.I want: a house.I have: an amazing husband.I wish: I could make all my brother’s dreams come true.I hate: techno music.I fear: a lot.I feel: I have yet to reach my full potential.I hear: music in everything.I smell: things other people cannot.I crave: salty and sweet.I wonder: if it’s bad to be obsessed with a book series.I regret: getting a credit card at 18.I ache: to save the polar bears.I care: deeply.I always: say “I love you”.I believe: I was born to be a Mother.I dance: often.I sing: daily.I cry: every time I watch Grey’s Anatomy.I don’t always: say what I want to say.I write: to express myself.I stole: Ryan’s heart :)I need: my Mother.I am happy about: where my life is headed.

Monday, November 3, 2008

What a busy weekend!! But, being the last weekend before our wedding weekend, we knew it would be.

Friday: We went to my Mom's for dinner and to hand out candy. We only got about 10 trick-or-treaters but they were all so cute!

Saturday: I got my nails done, then picked up my wedding ring!!! It's perfect!! The only picture I have is from my phone, but here it is anyway...

Then, I headed home to get ready for Sharif & Kelly's wedding! [Sharif is a friend and co-worker of Ryan's.] It was a really nice wedding, and the Bride's Entrance was so unique! Sharif held up an old school boom box and played "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel [like in Say Anything]. It was so cute! Then Ryan & I had a blast dancing the night away with all of his co-workers. It made us really excited for OUR wedding!!!

Sunday: We ran errands like crazy and started working on the last minute wedding stuff.

I only work today and tomorrow then I'm off for the wedding!!! :) I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

This morning Ryan & I went to the Justice of the Peace and got our marriage license!!! When we got to the building, the lady opened the door and said "Let me guess...marriage license?" I was like "Wow, is it that obvious?!" ;) So, we filled out the paperwork and paid our $67. When she printed out the actual license, and had us sign it, Ryan & I looked at each other and both smiled ear to ear. It was very exciting!!!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

So, when we got to work Monday, there was a "wet paint" sign on the stairs and the stairs were covered in sand. We could not understand what the sand was for.

Today, one of my co-workers, Dona, had a "light bulb moment". She said "OMG. When I talked to the building owner, he told me he hired a crew to come sand and repaint the stairs. I came up the office Saturday and I tried to speak to them but they spoke no english."

These guys literally went and bought a bag of sand and threw it all over our stairs!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently, that's what they got from "sand the stairs".

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

This is my Dad. I don't have a recent picture with me, so this is us about 10 years ago. Notice that gorgeous head of silver hair.

I mention him, and his hair, because, every time I look in the mirror, I am reminded that I am most definitely Dick Silverman's daughter. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it means that I am going pre-maturely gray[although we like to call it "silver"]. I try not to let is bother me but at 25 it feels weird to have as much gray as I do. A lot of people roll their eyes when I say this...until I show them.

I give you Exhibit A:

So, I made a totally vain move, and I decided to have it colored before the wedding. I have embraced the fact that I am going to be 100% gray by 35, if not sooner, but I really don't want the silver hair screaming at me in my wedding pictures. So, as of Saturday, the grays are now a nice honey color. YAY!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Friday - Ryan & I went to my Mom's to see Frankie's hair cut. [It looks AWESOME!] Then we head to Carino's for "2 Can Dine for $19.99". YUM! Then, my Mom & I went to Macy's to do a little shopping. We both got adorable winter coats, stocked up on Clinique [and got a free gift] and I got a little something for the wedding night ;). Everything was on sale.

Saturday - VOTED!!! Then dropped my wedding band at the jewelers to be sized, had my gray hair colored, picked up my bridal portraits, dropped them at the framers, shopped a bit then Ryan called at whined that he missed me and wanted me to come home :). We went grocery shopping at like 9pm. It was great!

Today - Ryan & I cleaned our cars this morning, went a got a wedding gift for Sharif & Kelly's wedding next weekend, then picked up my Mom, went to the Bridal shop to get her dress and my shoes, went to Dillard's & Lane Bryant and we both got SO much cute stuff. And EVERYTHING was on sale!!!

Anyway, I am spent. But, the lousy economy does make for some great deals while shopping!!!